These chocolate thumbprint cookies with marshmallow filling are a favorite around here. The cookies are soft and chocolatey, the marshmallow filling is creamy, and the chocolate drizzle on top makes them extra special. They're easy to make and perfect for sharing during the holiday season or anytime you're baking for family and friends.
If you're building a Christmas cookie series or just baking for the time of year when homemade treats matter most, these chocolate thumbprints belong on your list.
Why You'll Love These Easy Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- Soft and chewy cookies with a marshmallow filling in the center of each cookie
- Made with simple pantry ingredients like unsalted butter, brown sugar, and cocoa powder
- Finished with a silky chocolate drizzle for a rich chocolate flavor
- Easy to shape and bake, even for beginner bakers
- These holiday chocolate thumbprint cookies are perfect for Christmas baking and everyday treats
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 3 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cocoa powder (dutch process cocoa powder recommended)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups marshmallow creme
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup hot heavy cream
How to Make Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
- Heat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until a soft cookie dough forms.
- Use a 1-inch cookie scooper to scoop dough and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheet.
- Gently press the center of each cookie using your thumb, a tablespoon, or the back of a knife.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until set but still soft. Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.
- In a small bowl, beat marshmallow creme, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, fill the centers with the marshmallow mixture.
- Place chocolate chips in a small microwavable bowl. Pour hot heavy cream over the chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Drizzle chocolate lightly over cookies and allow to set before serving.
Tips for Success
- Chill time is optional, but chilling dough ahead of time helps with shaping
- Use a measuring cup for accurate ingredients
- Do not overbake to keep chewy chocolate cookies soft
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer extra sweetness
- Garnish with maraschino cherries for a festive holiday look
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container or covered container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to 1 week if needed.
Cookie dough can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to 3 months and baked fresh.
These cookies are great for making ahead, which makes them ideal chocolate thumbprint cookies for Christmas baking.
If you're baking chocolate thumbprint cookies for Christmas, this recipe is easy to double and perfect for sharing.
More Cookie Recipes to Try
Looking for more cookie ideas? These favorites are perfect for holiday baking and sharing.
- Sugar Cookies with Kisses
A classic holiday cookie that's easy to make and always popular. - Gingerbread Cookies
Soft, spiced cookies that belong on every Christmas cookie tray. - Chocolate Chip Butterscotch Cookies
A cozy cookie packed with chocolate chips and butterscotch flavor. - Easy Christmas Cookies to Make
A festive collection of simple cookies for the holiday season.
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Marshmallow Filling
Equipment
Ingredients
Chocolate Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter - softened to room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 3 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dutch process cocoa powder or unsweetened cocoa
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Marshmallow Filling
- 1 ½ cups marshmallow creme
- ¼ cup unsalted butter - softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Drizzle
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup hot heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg yolks and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Use a #40 cookie scoop to scoop dough and roll into 1-inch balls.
- Place cookie balls on prepared baking sheet and gently press the center of each cookie using a tablespoon or the back of a knife.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set but still soft. Cool on wire racks.
- For the marshmallow filling, beat marshmallow creme, butter, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Fill the centers of cookies once cooled.
- Place chocolate chips in a small microwavable bowl. Pour hot heavy cream over chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Drizzle chocolate lightly over filled cookies and allow to set before serving.
Notes
- Use a #40 cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake consistently.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before adding the marshmallow filling.
- The chocolate drizzle is optional but adds extra sweetness and a nice finish.
- Fully baked cookies freeze well without the filling. Add marshmallow filling and drizzle after thawing.
- For make-ahead baking, cookie dough can be rolled into balls and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
- Cookie dough balls may also be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Popular Recipes
Dana is the lead recipe developer and photographer for PopularRecipes.com. With her 10+ years of experience creating, testing, and photographing recipes, she has become an artist in developing wholesome, family-friendly meals that are a hit with both kids and parents.
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